This is how Damica Fortuin (16) from Lotus High introduced one of the Nature Guardian figures installed at Princess Vlei on Saturday 21 September.
The installation was part of the Flight of Dreams Parade, which is held each year to create awareness of and to celebrate the wildlife at Princess Vlei, and to showcase the artistic talents of our youth.
Also featured on the parade were young members of the Jungle Theatre Company’s drama club and the fabulous creations of eMzantsi Carnival. eMzantsi’s Blokka band provided a lively beat for the paraders.
Children tied cloth around the poles to symbolize their promise to care for the planet. Xavier Anders and two other learners read out intentions written by Primrose Park Primary learners. They pledged to pick up littering, and keep wild creatures form harm and other pledges. The pledges which were written on sticks were suspended from nearby branches.
The high poles are aimed at providing perches for raptors, as Princess Vlei has no tall trees. They have been placed in the semicircle of trees which were planted on 9 August in honour of strong women and our indigenous mothers.
The event formed part of the African Climate Alliance’s week of Positive Action. Princess Vlei Forum supports the ACA’s work in urging government and business to take urgent and effective action to mitigate and limit the devastating impacts of climate change.
Special Thanks to the Hans Hoheisen Charitable Trust for funding our rehabilitation and educational work at Princess Vlei; to Brent for so generously donating his time and sound equipment, which greatly cheered up the grey skies; to the Jolly Carp team for taking us in out of the rain; to Sarah Oliver for taking the pics and to Siraaj Roomaney for donating juice. Thanks also to our organizing partners PCAC; eMzantsi and Jungle Theatre Company, especially Fabian from PCAC for late nights stitching Guardians; to all the Forum team, and to our amazing community of learners and teachers.